Dog owners can sign up for a rattlesnake aversion training clinic for their pets to be conducted April 25 in Goleta by High On Kennels.

The clinic offers one-on-one training with live rattlesnakes to teach dogs to avoid the sight, scent and sound of rattlesnakes. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $85 per dog and usually takes 20-30 minutes. For more information and to register, visit https://rattlesnakeclinic.as.me.

Rattlesnake aversion training is an effective tool for preventing the pain and suffering of rattlesnake bites. Most rattlesnake bites are on the victim’s head and neck. Dogs are naturally curious, and when a snake is encountered, they check it out face first.

Training a dog to avoid the sight, scent and sound of rattlesnakes is the best thing pet owners can do to keep dogs safe. Your dog could be an alert system for you as well.

“If you enjoy activities that take you and your dogs outdoors, you and your pets may be at risk of encountering rattlesnakes. And as the snakes move along in search of food and mates, they may even end up in your own backyard,” said Fred Presson, professional dog trainer at High On Kennels in Santa Ysabel.